Polls in North and prospects for democracy

The political climax of Sri Lanka’s war against terrorism, was the installation of a democratically-elected civil administration system in the East. With the LTTE now a spent force, the government’s move to hold local elections in areas formerly held by the Tigers in the North, would be the first taste of democracy and normalcy for its war-weary generations.
Democracy would no doubt be a new experience for the newly-liberated. The freedom of choice through vote, the freedom of information and movement, would serve as opportunities the people must heed. Perhaps it is incorrect to use the term ‘a return to normalcy’; for the normalcy they knew was a regime of violence and deprivation of certain fundamental rights. The forced conscription of children serves as a concrete example. This then becomes a new beginning; their first touch of freedom and choice – an opportunity for us democrats to sow the seed of harmony. Already there is great interest from several political parties to field candidates.
The election in the North presents government with multiple prospects. Very importantly, it will send a positive message to the Diasporas and its bevy of critics and the international community, that here is a government committed to ensure the rights of the people through democratic franchise. It serves as an example that our brothers in the North are not a conquered people forced to embrace the politics and faces of the South – they are given choice to elect their leaders. The government must make the best of this opportunity and ensure a free and fair election, and send a strong and credible message to the people of the North and our country’s every stakeholder. Let this be the first step of rebuilding Sri Lanka. Should we be unfortunate to pose before these people a mockery of rights and freedom as we find here with elections in the South; what difference in life will we really offer them?
The Eastern Provincial Council Poll serves as a milestone in the advancement of the conflict and political landscape of Sri Lanka. The speed and efficiency with which the administration moved to set up the council displayed its commitment to instill democracy. The government has also been vigorously pursuing re-development in the East. However there are also some concerns that though nearly two years into its office, the actual benefits from the newly set up political administration is yet to fully seep into the social fabric within the Eastern Province. Though such a view could be owing to high expectations, all stakeholders keen to let the North and East enjoy true democracy and freedom could take note nevertheless. Failure would make any newly set up political administration only a cosmetic exercise.
The elections in the North and the East would also serve as a precursor to a political solution that we expect through either the All Party Representative Committee or via the 13th Amendment plus as well as the “home grown” solution, which President Mahinda Rajapaksa has promised the nation last month.
A free and fair poll for Jaffna Municipal Council and Vavuniya Urban Council will be eagerly looked forward to as a lesson in democracy with a broader national objective